HRC Blog

Athletes for Equality Tackle the Marine Corps Marathon

For 43 determined people, this weekend was the end of a very long and meaningful journey. They were the members of the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon Athletes for Equality team in Washington, DC. Hailing from 18 states they battled early morning cold and ultimately crossed the finish line 26.2 miles later moving equality forward one step at a time. Teams of HRC volunteers cheered them throughout the course, and much appreciation and support was shown from runners HRC and non-HRC alike.

For the majority of Team HRC, the running of a marathon was actually a first time experience. On top of this, many have overcome large obstacles of their own to get to this point. Physical bodies and lives have been transformed throughout this process, and loved ones of runners have even come out to them directly in the months of training leading to yesterday’s race. These stories and more were shared at a pasta celebration dinner held at the HRC building on Saturday evening. Taking turns sharing their experience, each runner came together one last time, carb-loaded, and were awarded certificates for their long-term commitment to not only their physical health, and to the LGBT rights movement. While there, they also took the opportunity to learn about HRC’s work advocating for LGBT Russian, and wore a specially designed technical shirt enscribed with the phrase “Love Conquers Hate” in Cyrillic.

Get it on the action! HRC is currently forming teams for two upcoming races in March – and what better way is there to start a new year? We will be back for the 2nd time at Publix GA’s Marathon/Half-Marathon &5k and for first time at the ASICS LA Marathon. You’ll be raising money for the work of the HRC Foundation, working to change hearts and minds everywhere. For more information and to register, visit http://www.hrc.org/athletes